The perfect combination of tart, bright and lightly sweet, this homemade blackberry lemonade is sure to become your favorite warm weather drink.
![Homemade Blackberry Lemonade 1 glass of deep purple blackberry lemonade with slice of lemon on the rim, ready to drink.](https://cookingwithcarlee.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/glass2Bof2Biced2Bblackberry2Blemonade2Bwith2Bfrozen2Bberry2Band2Blemon2Bslice.jpg.webp)
When life hands you lemons, make blackberry lemonade! This refreshing drink is sophisticated enough to please adult palates but will delight the kiddos as well. It is a fabulous way to turn fresh fruit into a delightful sipper.
This week is all about brunch. There is just something about that word that automatically makes it feel extra special.
Whether you are serving brunch for a holiday like Easter or Mother’s Day or just because it’s the weekend and you can, the word brunch signals it’s time to slow down and enjoy for a bit. That is a sentiment I can fully support!
![Homemade Blackberry Lemonade 2 Measuring cup with citrus reamer, fresh squeezed lemon juice and half a lemon with blackberry puree in pitcher nearby.](https://cookingwithcarlee.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/measuring-cup-of-fresh-squeezed-lemon-juice-and-blackberry-puree-for-lemonade.jpg.webp)
One thing that helps make a brunch memorable is a great drink. Of course mimosas and bloody Maries are the crowned jewels of brunching.
But that certainly doesn’t mean they are the only option. A couple of years ago I shared an adults only apple brunch punch recipe with you that is crisp and delicious.
This year I decided on more summery flavors for my drink du jour. This blackberry lemonade can’t help but be the star of the show.
As written, this recipe is family friendly. Everyone can enjoy a glass and they most certainly will!
If you like a little booze with your brunch, don’t despair. Just stir an ounce of vodka into your glass and you will be in fine shape!
![Homemade Blackberry Lemonade 3 Lokking down on a couple of glasses of deep purple blackberry lemonade with berries and lemon wedges with stainless steel straws, ready to drink.](https://cookingwithcarlee.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/looking-down-on-glasses-of-blackberry-lemonade-with-stainless-steel-straws-.jpg.webp)
This drink doesn’t have to be limited to your brunch menu either. It will be great all spring and summer long.
I can imagine enjoying a glass on the porch on a summer evening. Of course spiked or not is completely up to you in that case too!
We are lucky enough to have prolific blackberry bushes in our yard, so I was able to use frozen berries from last year’s harvest. You could use fresh or frozen berries, whichever is the most available or economical.
Don’t let squeezing the lemons keep you from making this recipe. It is quick and totally worth the little bit of effort.
I made a half gallon pitcher full and it didn’t last the weekend at our house. We were all big fans.
![Homemade Blackberry Lemonade 4 Glasses of blackberry lemonade with ice in front of pitcher.](https://cookingwithcarlee.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/glasses-of-blackberry-lemonade-with-pitcher-in-background-.jpg.webp)
My husband would have preferred if I would have strained the blackberry puree, but I sort of enjoyed the signal that it was made with real fruit. You can decide which way you prefer.
More fun lemonade recipes:
- Honey Lemonade
- Mango Lemonade
- Old Fashioned Lemonade
- Strawberry Lemonade Spritzer
- or try switching it up a bit with some cold cherry limeade
Tips and tricks to making blackberry lemonade:
Between the tart berries and sour lemons, the end result of the recipe as written is only lightly sweet. Add a few Tablespoons more sugar to the pan while making your sugar syrup if you want a sweeter result.
You may wish to strain the seeds out of the blackberry puree, that is completely up to personal preference.
Fresh squeezed lemons will have the brightest flavor, but lemon juice from the bottle will do in a pinch.
If using frozen berries, use some of the warm sugar water to help get them pureed smooth. Your blender will appreciate the liquid!
Little Dude and the neighbor kid had 3 glasses each before the afternoon was over, so they didn’t mind the seeds one bit! I can see this becoming a summer weekend staple for us.
![Homemade Blackberry Lemonade 5 Glasses of dark purple lemonade with lots of pureed blackberries and ice inside topped with frozen blackberries and a slice of lemon.](https://cookingwithcarlee.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/glasses-of-blackberry-lemonade-with-pitcher-in-background-1-1-300x300.jpg.webp)
Fresh Squeezed Blackberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups blackberries fresh or frozen
- 1½ cups lemon juice
- plenty of ice
Instructions
- Heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until all of the sugar is dissolved.1 cup granulated sugar, 3 cups water
- Puree the blackberries in a blender or food processor. Mine were frozen, so I added a bit of the sugar water to the berries to blend them easier.2 cups blackberries
- Mix sugar water, berry puree and lemon juice in a half gallon pitcher. Fill with ice.1½ cups lemon juice
- Serve over ice.
Carlee
Wednesday 8th of May 2019
Thank you!
Julia
Monday 29th of April 2019
This looks so refreshing and delicious! YUM!
Carlee
Wednesday 8th of May 2019
Thank you, it really is!
myrecipetreasuers
Wednesday 24th of April 2019
Blackberries sound wonderful. I am always looking for a fun drink that we can enjoy with the grand kids and they LOVE blackberries. This is perfect!
Carlee
Wednesday 8th of May 2019
They would love our patch then, we get HUGE berries!
Unknown
Monday 22nd of April 2019
I love brunch because everyone can relax and take their time. I mostly go for savory items at brunch but occasionally I like to get made to order waffles if they offer.
Carlee
Wednesday 8th of May 2019
Those waffles are always so good, aren't they?
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
Monday 22nd of April 2019
I definitely have to try this. Blackberries are one of my favorites! And who doesn't love a tall glass of lemonade? YUM!
Carlee
Wednesday 8th of May 2019
The combination is sooooo good if I do say so!